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Intrapreneurism — The Next Step in Your Career
Development
 ow's
the job lately? Getting a little bored? Antsy to do something
else but not sure what? Well, the answer may not be to start looking
for a new job. Perhaps you can change what you're doing right
where you are. Think “intrapreneur”!
An
intrapreneur is a person who engages in entrepreneurial activity
with an organization, someone who is responsible for taking an
idea or a process and turning it into a profitable venture.
Intrapreneurship
is an opportunity to try out ideas to improve the organization
you work for, while not having to take the financial risks. The
organization foots the bill, so to speak. If you work for an company
that fosters innovative thinking and employee growth, you could
be in business as an intrapreneur.
Being
an intrapreneur is like running your own company within an existing
organization. The intrapreneur is able to get business development
training and coaching while working on a project, so success is
more likely.
You
will need a sponsor who will back you and champion your efforts
and ideas. A sponsor is generally a senior member of the organization
who wants to see the project succeed and can use connections and
experience to help this happen.
 ifford
Pinchot pioneered the term “intrapreneur” back in 1982.
His advice to intrapreneurs is:
- Do any job needed to make your project work,
regardless of your job description.
- Share credit wisely.
- Remember, it is easier to ask for forgiveness
than permission.
- Come to work each day willing to be fired.
- Ask for advice before asking for resources.
- Follow your intuition about people; build
a team of the best.
- Under-promise and over-deliver; early publicity
triggers the corporate immune system.
- Never bet on a race unless you are running
in it.
- Be true to your goals and realistic about
ways to achieve them.
- Honour your sponsors.
So,
if you have an idea you'd like to develop within your organization,
take a proposal to the boss. Maybe intrapreneurism will be the
next step in your career development.
'Tis Almost the Season
 s
my son and I watched big white flakes of snow falling, he turned
to me and asked, “How many sleeps till Christmas?” This
early snowfall reminds us the season of shopping, wrapping, baking,
etc. is coming.
How do you juggle these activities so Christmas
is relaxing, enjoyable?
Be organized – keep activities listed
on the calendar.
Start early – make lists and prepare
what you can in advance.
Don't overbook – it's still okay
to say no, even if it is Christmas.
Smile – when things get hectic,
smile; it will remind you why the season is special.
Focus on the positives – always
remember the people you love, it will keep things in perspective.
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